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In today’s fast-paced, tech-driven society, it’s more important than ever to take a step back every now and then and focus on personal wellness. This could mean different things to different people, but the first step in any journey should always involve a deep, cleansing breath.
And why not take that all-important first breath a step further, by incorporating the use of essential oils?
If you’re reading this article, chances are you’ve already heard a lot about the benefits of these products, and are hoping to learn more before taking the plunge. That’s a wise decision.
Knowledge is another important tool to take along on the path to greater self-fulfillment and mental health.
When I first decided to give essential oils a try, some people in my life were skeptical. “But you hate perfume,” was a common refrain, along with “Why would you want to spend your money on something like that?”
Others doubted whether the experience was really all it was cracked up to be, or that I could ever find a product that was both high-quality and affordable.
It’s true that I’m not crazy about perfumes and lotions, as their inevitably strong chemical scents tend to make me feel ill. Essential oils are not perfumes, however. They’re natural, plant-based products, extracted using only the gentlest techniques–at least, they ought to be.
About Plant Therapy
That’s where Plant Therapy gets it right. The company’s impressive range of products are all 100 percent pure and quality sourced, with highly experienced distillers and testers rounding out every inch of the process. And while you might think that such minute attention to detail would naturally result in a more expensive product, you’d be in for a pleasant surprise.
Plant Therapy’s story begins in 2009, when current president Chris Jones purchased a small beauty company from his mother-in-law. The business specialized in aromatherapy and all-natural products, so the transition into the essential oil business was a swift no-brainer.
Chris realized that there was a solid market for high-quality, affordable essential oils, and went straight to work from there.
In the company statement, the president emphasizes the importance of impacting people’s lives, providing them with the best possible experience so they’ll want to keep coming back.
Keeping the focus on the customer and the wellness experience, rather than on the almighty dollar, is the right approach when it comes to selling this type of product. The fact that the business is small and family-owned adds to this overall sense of caring and support.
Plant Therapy offers over 100 “single” essential oil products(extracted from a single plant), as well as several “Synergy” blends, which combines the essences of several different sources to create an enhanced experience.
Their KidSafe selections offer a natural alternative to the children’s medicines that line shelf after shelf at the local drugstore. Even the most discerning, hard-to-please shopper is bound to find something appealing when browsing through Plant Therapy’s selections.
Below, find the answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about essential oils, and how Plant Therapy measures up.
Are Plant Therapy’s Essential Oils Therapeutic Grade?
The short answer to this question is no. Before you skip to the next paragraph, however, be certain you understand the term “therapeutic grade,” and how it relates to Plant Therapy’s take on the subject.
To be precise, “therapeutic grade” is not a true marker of quality at all, but merely a marketing term that was dreamed up relatively recently by up-and-comers in the essential oil game.
Oils don’t have to be pure by industry standards in order to be marketed as therapeutic grade, and in fact, no actual third-party certification exists to make the distinction official.
The bottom line is, as the diffusion of essential oils is meant, in and of itself, as a therapeutic experience, any company can bandy about the term “therapeutic grade” to make itself look more official.
President Chris Jones actually seeks to address this head-on, endeavoring to educate Plant Therapy customers on the products and the distilling processes themselves, rather than allowing them to make decisions based on terms that have little meaning outside of their literal definitions.
Plant Therapy’s CMO, certified aromatherapist Retha Nesmith, has likewise sought to underline the fact that the FDA has no part in the grading of essential oils, another thing that customers should remember when purchasing their products.
It’s best not to rely on industry double-speak when making purchases of any kind, but where your health is concerned, it becomes vital. Instead of looking for the words “therapeutic grade” on the packaging, focus on whether or not the product is 100 percent pure, locally sourced and sustainable, and produced using the highest quality standards.
How Are Plant Therapy’s Essential Oils Extracted?
Before the extraction process can begin, the Plant Therapy team has to ensure that every plant chosen is of the highest available quality. Every farmer and supplier is thoroughly vetted before purchase, with a focus on locally sourced and sustainable practices.
Plant Therapy’s essential oils are extracted using steam only, with no added chemicals. This allows them to market the singles, blends, and even KidSafe products as 100 percent pure, as there’s nothing artificial added during the extraction process. In addition, they’re subjected to the lowest possible temperatures and pressure throughout.
Once the oils are extracted and distilled by the most qualified professionals, they undergo organoleptic testing by another field expert. Organoleptic testing is the process of smelling a sample of oil that’s been absorbed by a testing strip, in order to see how it holds up over time.
This involves evaluating color and consistency as well as scent, before sending the sample for the final round of third-party testing.
This sounds like such a time-consuming, arduous process, it’s a wonder that Plant Therapy is able to turn out as much product as it does. But it’s nonetheless comforting to know that all of that hard work and attention to detail will translate into the best possible essential oil experience.
What Are Their Most Popular Essential Oils and Blends?
The set includes the following:
Singles
- Lavender
- Tea Tree
- Sweet Orange
- Peppermint
- Lemon
- Cinnamon
- Eucalyptus
Synergy Blends
- Germ Fighter
- Immune Aid
- Tranquil
- Invigor Aid
- Sensual
- Relax
- Energy
So which one of these smells best, and which provides the best health benefits? Or is there overlap between the two?
Since everyone differs on the question of what scents are most appealing, and as I haven’t personally tried all of them, I can only speak to my own experience. I’ll go a step further, however, in advising you to try whichever of these you would most enjoy.
Lavender
When it comes to relaxation, I’m hugely partial to the benefits of lavender. This mildly floral, herbaceous scent is soothing without being the least bit cloying, even coming from someone who loathes perfume.
As lavender can be beneficial in treating conditions such as anxiety, insomnia, and depression, it provides ideal aromatherapy following an emotionally trying or physically demanding day.
I’ve placed the diffuser in the bathroom while enjoying a hot soak in the tub after a long workout, and also tried it in the bedroom while drifting off to sleep. In both cases, the lavender was a restful accompaniment; in the case of the bedtime use, I’m sure it contributed to my improved energy the following morning.
Click here to buy a bottle of Lavender
Eucalyptus
Some of my favorite people absolutely can’t stand the smell of eucalyptus. Perhaps it reminds them of the cold, greasy gel that our mothers used to rub on our chests when we were sick as children.
There’s a reason that gel smelled like eucalyptus, though: It clears the sinuses and invigorates the senses, providing an all-natural high.
My favorite way to use eucalyptus oil is to add a few drops to the bathtub just before stepping in for a hot shower. It not only works wonders when I’m congested and trying to clear my airways before sleep, it also helps me to wake up in the mornings when I’m feeling a bit sluggish.
Put some in the diffuser before breakfast on a weekday morning, and the whole family will start the day in a better mood.
Click here to buy a bottle of Eucalyptus
Immune Aid Synergy Blend
I’m going to go out on a limb here and admit that I’ve never gotten a flu shot. I know they’re highly recommended, that I’m putting other people at risk by not getting one, all the party lines.
But the fact of the matter is, I don’t even remember the last time I had the flu; in fact, last winter, I didn’t have so much as the sniffles.
Plant Therapy’s Immune-Aid is a blend of six essential oils, each with its own distinct immunotherapeutic properties:
- Frankincense – aids stress release and boosts immune function
- Tea tree – antibiotic properties
- Rosemary – liver detoxification
- Lemon – contains a myriad of essential vitamins, especially vitamin C, a natural germ-fighter
- Eucalyptus – antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties
- Orange – also high in vitamin C, with antidepressant properties
Staying properly hydrated, getting plenty of rest, and exercising regularly are all important when it comes to staying healthy during cold and flu season. However, I don’t think the Immune-Aid hurt matters one bit.
Click here to buy a bottle of Immune Aid
Plant Therapy Pros and Cons
Pros
Essential oil use isn’t a recent fad. It’s been around for a while, and there are numerous companies out there, all competing for your dollar. So why would you choose Plant Therapy?
Again, I can only speak to my own experience, and say that I’m glad I chose Plant Therapy for a myriad of reasons.
To name just a few:
- Small, family-owned and operated
- Willing and happy to educate consumers on products and benefits, including terminology
- High quality
- Attention to detail
- Affordability
With a small company, you know you’re dealing with real people, who see you as a real person with specific needs. When it comes to wellness in particular, it’s important to deal with human beings who are likewise focused on their own health and the quality of their products.
It’s also refreshing to see a president and staff enthusiastic about educating the public on their products. They understand that we have choices, and they want us to choose them for all the right reasons. That’s rare in any company, and just about unheard of in the corporate world.
Finally, with regard to the cost factor: The use of essential oils shouldn’t be the exclusive province of the wealthy. Plant Therapy makes it easy to fit this small routine into your budget, without cutting corners.
Cons
The skeptics in my crowd weren’t just being ornery. The truth is, there are several reasons to be cautious when considering the introduction of essential oils, especially around children or pets.
Here are a few things to remember:
- No FDA regulation
- Can cause allergic reactions
- Not a cure-all
As Nesmith herself pointed out, there’s no way to guarantee that the use of essential oils is entirely safe, as they’re not regulated by the FDA. Since they’re all-natural, some people assume that they can’t be harmful, but many harmful things exist in nature.
While the use of a diffuser will mitigate the risk to a large degree, essential oil aromatherapy should always be introduced slowly at first.
Similarly, the oils in their pure form are very strong, and some people can have frightening allergic reactions to them, even when a diffuser is used. If you show any worrisome symptoms, discontinue use and seek the help of a medical care professional.
If you’re applying them to your skin, use just a drop or two mixed with a “carrier oil,” such as jojoba or even olive oil, as a buffer.
It’s also important to remember that even if you suffer no ill effects from Plant Therapy’s products, they won’t cure everything. They may certainly add to your overall sense of well-being, and even help ward off cold symptoms and ease the pain of headaches, joint swelling, muscle aches, and much more.
But don’t make the mistake of looking at them as a magic potion that will keep you from ever getting sick.
Do I Recommend Plant Therapy?
In conclusion, I’ve had an exceptionally positive experience with the essential oils I purchased from Plant Therapy. I have no doubt that the quality standards they advertise are followed to the letter, as their products have left me no reason to think otherwise: They’ve worked as advertised, maintained their quality over time, and overall been a worthwhile investment.
If you’re thinking of purchasing a diffuser and experimenting with essential oils yourself, I’d recommend heading over to the Plant Therapy official website for a closer look at what they have to offer.
The easily navigable design invites you to find out as much as possible before investing in their products. As the company mission states, they’re looking to provide a positive overall experience for every customer.
Give them a try to find out if Plant Therapy is the right fit for you.